I think what I really like about the new Vintage Vogue is that it seems less boxy in the bodice. Also, the elegant jewel neckline and the flattering princess seams. (Related: I need the purse in this illustration.)

What do you think? Is this a better version of the Walkaway dress? I suppose only time will tell! Who's going to make it first and report back please?

P.S. I also love 8789, which is made up in a floral stripe. I think Vogue outdid themselves with the styling for the photography on these new releases.

Isn't it very Horrockses? One of my favorites from the V&A, for a little eye candy:

43 comments:

I love it! I'll have to get it. Funnily enough I recieved my walkaway dress pattern today. I'm nervous about the neckline especially when I have a large bust. Thinking of making it a sweetheart neckline if you have any tips for me? (please do as its my first dress!) Xx

I had a walkaway dress my mother made when I was in high school and the problem with it was the front skirt panels would blow around in the wind, which could leave the wearer less than covered, so I was always fiddling with it - this seems to have solved that problem at least!

I just got the Vogue pattern. It is a circle skirt. I know that was a big criticism of the "Walkaway" reissue. I always liked wrap dresses. I think I'll look at getting some cute vintage patterns to sew up this summer.

These walk-way dresses looks like they're from the 1950's, and they look so gorgeous with their colors and patterns. In fact, it's becoming a trend again for ladies to wear these vintage-inspired dresses. I love the last photo because of the flower pattern and hue.

The new Vogue is a beautiful pattern with lovely lines, but after all the work of fitting princess seams, etc., why not just stick a zipper in that thing?Isn't the whole point of a walkaway dress that it's fast and easy to make?Maybe I'm wrong. I like the Retro Butterick pattern in theory, but it has obvious problems. I wish they would repro the later version with the midriff band. There is a really good tutorial on another sewer's blog about how to do the Butterick walkaway dress so that it actually looks correct,and I've seen versions that look really great. It's true, though, that many just look blah. It's usually because the sewer didn't take the time to fit the pattern to her body. One day I will attempt it.

Interesting new version! I hope it will be easier to fit/look more flattering than the Walkaway reissue. The shape of the bodice is definitely an improvement.

The actual design of the bodice reminds me a lot of Butterick 4919.http://butterick.mccall.com/b4919-products-5273.php?page_id=371The dress itself is not a wrap, but the bodice is. It was fascinating to make and wear. The design allows for a smidge of waist cinching, and with a petticoat or two it gives a great look. I can see Vogue 8788 looking very cute, using similar principles.

I've made a couple of walkaway dresses, the part I don't like is the way the wrap works under the arms. (I added buttons).

Amber, if you're reading this... the walkaway works BETTER on full busts, it stays where it belongs, which I've seen ladies with less up top struggle with. Just make sure to do a couple of muslins of the bodice to get the fitting right.

Not excited about the Vogue because it looks so very much like something I already have, but that's me.

Oh, praise heaven! I've always lamented that the Walkaway had such an unflattering shoulder line--I have broader shoulders, and a boxy cut like that makes me look like a linebacker. This has a much nicer curve at both neckline and armhole that I like very much. Plus: it's basically spring already, so time for new sundresses!

I just purchased V8789 a couple days ago. LOVE IT! I am knitting a vintage inspired cardigan and want to make the dress in a striped fabric in a coordinating color. As far as the construction of the Vogue dress that has the funny little 'wings' that meet in back? HATE HATE HATE that construction. I made Vintage Butterick #4919 with similar construction and that boogerin' thing brought me to tears more than once. LOVE the dress, hate the construction. Hugs----

It is a shame I hadn't read your post pre September 2011 I made the original walkway dress for one of my 4 daughters for her birthday as a surprise! It looked terrible on her size 10 figure ( Australian size) it was then tried on the 3 other girls with differing bustlines even a size 6 with an A cup . This dress hasn't looked good on any of the 8 bodies I've tried it on. I will eventually remake the bodice as I love the wrap around skirt and the fitting on the midriff. The bodice shape and the bias trim finish are the negatives on this pattern. Ps I love your blog Gertie.

It does look like a more flattering shape, I would be more likely to make the new one rather then the walkaway. I also love the second one, it reminds me of this one http://lilacsandlace.blogspot.com/2012/01/stripes-chevrons-and-crinolines-oh-my.html

Gertie, being a bigger girl, the only way I would make a walkaway is if it was in a sheer-ish polyester gorgette (with a full slip). Then it would have a very flowing hand, without being too clingy. Also, I would need a lower-cut neckline. Any neckline cut that high makes me look very broad in in the chest.

I like 8789 and find it pretty tempting, but I'm going to hang on til someone else makes it. I am not at all sure about the other one--I have a strong suspicion about a dress that threatens to fly open. I am pretty sure that it will do it when I most prefer it not to.

I've been following your blog for a while, but have been rather shy about sticking my head up over the parapet and being seen. However, here I am, taking off my invisibility cloak because, on reading this post, I finally felt I could perhaps offer you (and your readers) something in exchange for all the wonderful tips and stories you've shared. It was the picture of the Horrockses dress that did it, as it reminded me of this pattern I downloaded from the V&A website some time ago. I haven't used it yet, but perhaps you'll take the lead?

Oh my! I've been dreaming about making the walk-away dress since I first heard about it last year. I'm not a very confident sewers so I'm starting slow with aprons and stuff, working my way up! The new version is quite gorgeous though...BTW I featured you on my blog :)

Amber Walker, I get what you mean about the neckline with a large bust. I'm not Gretchen, but the larger bust I have some experience with. I don't think a true sweetheart neckline is the answer. Those curvy bits above the cleavage tend to emphasize which I don't think is what you want (well, it wouldn't be what *I* would want). Instead, I'd either open it up more so it's more of a scoop or make it more of a v. Just my opinion. I also love this pattern, and I want to give it a try! We'll have to compare notes later!

I love the look of the Walkaway Dress, personally, but I understand it's difficult to fit properly. Thankfully, I found this site, where the blogger walks you through how to fit it properly for that gorgeous, vintage look.http://www.edelweisspatterns.com/blog/?p=884

Thank you for your great post! Collection's Wholesale Dresses with a sweet lolita coord, showing off the versatility of this style! This dress comes with a side part with 'skin' and is pre-styled with lush waves and short bangs for a natural, beautiful overall look.

I really love the new pattern and I went right to eBay and ordered one in, well, near my size. I'm a plus-sized woman. I have the reissue of the Butterick 4790, but the Vogue 8788 looks superior to me! I also like the 8789, but I like the Vogue 8788 more because of the nifty Princess seams. I keep re-reading your book too, Gertie's New Book for Better sewing. I haven't caught up yet on the to do list to be able to sew anything quite yet. Thank you! Kathy from southeastern Arizona